BIOLOGYCanterbury

The UK’s European university

UndergraduatestudyUndergraduatestudy

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INSPIRATIONALTEACHINGANDACADEMICEXCELLENCE

Kent is one of the UK’sleading universities,producing world-classresearch and excellentdegree programmes.

World-leading researchThe School of Biosciences at Kentranks among the most active inbiological sciences in the UK, withresearch funding at about £4 millionper year. Outside bodies havecommended the School for itsresearch, which is acknowledgedto attain international levels ofexcellence.

The research in the School isfocused on understanding systemsand processes in the living cell. Ithas a molecular focus and coversthe disciplines of biochemistry,microbiology and biomedicalscience. The research projectscurrently ongoing in the schoolinclude: cancer biology and cancertherapies, bioprocessing and thedevelopment of novel therapeutics,genetic and prion diseases,reproductive medicine, syntheticbiology, protein folding andstructural biology, the biology ofaging, molecular motors, andbacterial pathogenesis and sensing.

Our research feeds directly into ourteaching, providing exciting andrelevant final year projects, wellequipped and well resourcedlaboratories, and ensures thatyou learn the most up-to-dateinformation available.

Passionate teachingThe School of Biosciences wasawarded the maximum score of 24in its teaching quality assessment,achieving full marks in areas suchas the design and delivery ofteaching materials, and the supportand guidance we give our students.The assessors concluded that theSchool of Biosciences offers ‘welldesigned, flexible and coherentdegree pathways, taught bydedicated and enthusiastic staffwell-matched to the syllabus andclearly informed by industry andresearch’.

www.kent.ac.uk/bio

This reputation for teachingexcellence in the School ofBiosciences is reflected in theNational Student Survey. Forexample, in the subject area ofBiology, Kent was rated the topuniversity in England and Wales foroverall course satisfaction in 2009.

The School also has a reputationfor innovation. One of ouracademics, Dr Dan Lloyd, haswon a National Teaching FellowshipAward for his work on the School’scommunication projects (see p17).These projects enable our sciencestudents to give talks in localschools and explain science to thepublic using various multimediaoutlets.

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use some self-learning packages.All students gain extensive practicaltraining and spend up to two days aweek in the laboratory. In the finalyear, there is the chance to conductan eight-week research projectwhich may be laboratory, library,or communication based, and isintegrated with the expertise of theacademic staff.

A global outlookOur School has an internationalreputation and collaborates withresearch groups throughout theUK and Europe. The University alsohas a cosmopolitan atmospherewith many students from overseas –22% of Kent students come fromoutside the UK.

Our students have the optionto spend a year studying abroad(see p10). This year can be afantastic opportunity for personal

development and provide an addedinsight into your subject.

A successful futureIn your studies, you gain excellentanalytical, communication andnumerical skills as well as specialistscientific skills. You have the chanceto view science in its wider socialcontext via modules in sciencecommunication, business oranthropology. Taking these optionscan significantly broaden yourrange of potential career options(see p8 for more details).

We have excellent links withemployer such as the NHS,GlaxoSmithKline and Genzymeand can offer you a Sandwich Year,which gives you the opportunity toearn a salary for a year, evaluate apotential employer, and enhanceyour employment prospects. Seep15 for details.

Inspiring topicsBiology is the study of life in all itsvarious forms, from simple viruses tocomplex organisms such as humanbeings. It investigates the structuresand functions of living organismsand their interactions with theenvironment and is at the forefrontof social change, playing animportant role in our everyday life.

Topical subjects covered at Kentinclude human cloning, stem-cellresearch, genetically modifiedorganisms, the human genomeproject, the influence of mankind onthe environment, and the potentialrisks of some foods.

Supportive communityTeaching methods include lectures,lab classes and work in smallgroups (via tutorials, workshops andproblem-solving sessions). We also

www.kent.ac.uk/bio

DIDYOUKNOW?In 2010, the School ofBiosciences at Kent wasshortlisted for ‘ResearchProject of the Year’ by theTimes Higher EducationSupplement.

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FIRST-CLASS FACILITIESANDSTUNNINGLOCATION

Based on a scenic campus,you have the use ofmodern teaching labs,with state-of-the-arttechnology.

Top class study facilitiesThe £1 million bioscience teachinglaboratories ensure that our studentshave an excellent environment inwhich to develop their practicalskills. The School of Biosciencesalso attracts a large researchbudget, which allows us to provideexcellent research labs. If youchoose to do laboratory research aspart of your final year project (seep17), you will work alongside ourworld-class research scientists,using the same high-leveltechnology.

Also on campus are good academicfacilities, such as the TemplemanLibrary which houses over a millionpublications, over a thousand publicPCs and a range of study supportservices for help and advice.

Beautiful locationCanterbury city centre is only a20-minute walk or a short bus-ridefrom the centre of campus. It’s abeautiful city with many stunningmedieval buildings and also haslively bars, pubs, restaurants andcafés and a wide range of shops,from small independent outlets tohigh street chains. The attractivecoastal town of Whitstable is close

by and there are sandy beachesfurther along the coast. London isunder an hour away by train.

Friendly campusThe campus is built on 300 acres ofparkland, overlooking Canterbury.Modern buildings are surroundedby open green spaces, courtyards,gardens, ponds and woodland.It’s self-contained and all the mainfacilities are within walking distance.These include: sports centre,cinema, theatre, night-club,restaurants, cafés, bars, medicalcentre, pharmacy, off-licence, shop,banks and laundry facilities. Manystudents comment on the friendlyatmosphere at Kent which allowsyou to make friends from all overthe world.

A European universityKent has a diverse cosmopolitanstudent population with 125nationalities representedon campus. We have stronglinks with universities in Europeand Kent is only around two hoursby train from Paris and Brussels.

www.kent.ac.uk/bio

DIDYOUKNOW?Kent was ranked 15th inthe UK by the 2010 TimesHigher Education StudentExperience Survey.

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7www.kent.ac.uk/bio

What about the facilities?We have an excellent library witha large science section that hasmultiple copies of populartextbooks. There is also animpressive online journal resourceand hundreds of computers oncampus.

What sort of things do you do inyour spare time?I am a member of multiple dancesocieties including salsa, which is agreat way to keep fit. With loads ofdifferent societies on campus, thereis always something to do with yourspare time. There is also a variety ofrestaurants and bars on campuswhich are great places to relax.

Canterbury itself is a fantastic city toexplore with loads of historical sitesand a good shopping centre.

What’s next for you?During my year on work placement ,I found that I really enjoyed workingin research and would like toadvance on to a Master’s and thena PhD. I think it’s interesting knowingthat you could be on the verge ofdiscovering something new.

Any advice you can offerto potential students?Being at university is a brilliant timein your life, but it’s always importantto have a good balance of work andplay. Make sure that you embraceuniversity life to the full and takeevery opportunity that’s givento you.

Jade Hall is in her finalyear studying Biologywith a SandwichYear.

What attracted you to studyingat Kent?I had initially heard about thegood reputation of the Schoolof Biosciences at Kent and whenI came to an Open Day, I wasinstantly attracted to the naturalbeauty of the campus and theexcellent laboratory facilities in thebiosciences building.

How is your course going?Very well. As I’m in my final year,I’m very busy. I have eight modulesin a range of scientific areas, whichinvolve coursework and a final-yearexam. Yet the variety of work keepsme interested and motivates me todo well.

How would you describe yourlecturers?At Kent, we have a range oflecturers specialising in variousareas. They each differ in teachingtechniques – everything fromquizzes to small group workshopsand informative lectures, but theyare all very approachable andalways willing to help.

What do you think about thelevel of support in your studies?University involves a large amountof independent study that we areexpected to do around eachmodule. But if there is anything Idon’t understand, I can approach

a lecturer; or if the class as a wholehas a lack of understanding,additional workshops are organisedto help us.

Throughout my time at Kent, wehave always had contact from theCareers Advisory Service: they offerlectures as well as drop-in sessions.

Which modules have youenjoyed the most?My favourite module looked at theclassification of living organisms.I really enjoyed learning about arange of animals and how theyhave adapted to their surroundingenvironments. The module wasinformative and interesting with arange of practicals and lectures.

How would you describe yourfellow students?They’re all friendly people. Often,with large lectures, you don’t havethe opportunity to talk to everyone.Yet, with group work and laboratorypracticals, we get to work together.The different degree strands havesome modules in common so it’sgood to integrate and sharedifferent skill sets and ideas.

Did you spend a year inindustry?Yes and I thoroughly enjoyed it; Ithink the skills I gained during thatyear will be useful to take into anyscientific field. I not only grew as aperson but academically too – Ifound that being in a workingenvironment was great fordeveloping my skills.

STUDENTPROFILE

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A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE

Many career pathscan benefit from thenumerical, analytical andcommunication skills thatyou develop during yourstudies. Most of ourstudents are highlysuccessful aftergraduation.

As well as providing a first-rateacademic experience, we want youto be in a good position to face thedemands of a tough economicenvironment. We are consistently inthe top 20 of graduate startingsalaries and in 2009, only 4.8% ofKent graduates were without a jobor further study opportunity sixmonths after graduation. We prideourselves on helping studentsdevelop transferable skills through

their studies.

Common career pathsIn recent years, about a third of ourgraduates have found employmentin industrial, university and hospitallaboratories. Typical specialismsinclude molecular biology,biotechnology, pharmacology,pathology, microbiology andecology.

Another third of our graduates goon to become senior researchscientists – a role that allows themto work at the cutting edge ofscientific exploration. The mostcommon route is to gain an MSc ina more specialised area, or a PhDby joining an established researchgroup. Most students receive fullfunding to support their scientificwork while studying for a PhD.

The remaining third of ourgraduates go on to work in otherareas. The skills you gain in yourstudies are useful in a wide range ofcareers. In recent years, studentshave found employment in teaching,scientific publishing, clinical trials,sales, marketing, banking,accountancy, the police forceand social work.

Professional experienceStudents who choose to take aSandwich Year (see p15) often findthis extra experience enhancestheir job prospects. They gainwork experience, insight into theprofessional pathways available,and useful skills. A year abroadcan provide a valuable experienceand an opportunity for personaldevelopment. See p15 for details.

A large number of our studentsalso develop professional skills andgain hands-on experience throughKent’s wide range of voluntary workopportunities. For more details, seewww.kent.ac.uk/employability

Careers adviceThe Careers Advisory Service cangive you guidance in areas such as:how to choose your future career;how to apply for jobs; how to write agood CV; and how to perform well ininterviews and aptitude tests. It alsoprovides up-to-date information ongraduate opportunities, before andafter you graduate. For more details,go to www.kent.ac.uk/careers

www.kent.ac.uk/bio

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My current job is at the BritishScience Association, co-ordinatingNational Science & EngineeringWeek. I love my job. Last year therewere 4000 events which attractedaround two million people. We takea scientific topic and get the publictalking about it. It's a varied role:I work on organising mediacoverage, PR and marketingcampaigns and provide supportfor events using online resourcesand educational activities.I also co-ordinate some massparticipation projects, suchas Musical Moods, an onlineexperiment that we’re running withthe BBC.

What advice would you giveto those thinking of comingto Kent?Go for it! You're unlikely to finda higher level of support anywherein the country and you have thechance to gain a broad set of skills.Some of my friends from the Schoolof Biosciences are now workingin scientific research, others are inindustry and some – like me – wentinto other related areas.

DanRichards graduatedfromKent in 2005 andnowworks for the BritishScienceAssociation andco-ordinates NationalScience & EngineeringWeek.

Why did you choose to studyat Kent?At Kent I could take a generaldegree in Biology and specialiselater on. That gave me what Iwanted – a broad overview withthe chance to go down a particularpathway. Also I thought that theCanterbury campus was reallybeautiful – so leafy and green.

How would you describe theteaching at Kent?The teaching and support weresecond to none and the studentsvoted the School the best in the UK.I had a great relationship with thestaff and a very supportive personaltutor. Also, the lecturers give you thechance to think about the impactthat science has on the rest ofthe world and that made it aninspiring experience.

What about the academicstandards at Kent?Standards are very high. In mycurrent job I work with a lot ofscientists, so I can really appreciatehow excellent the level of researchwas at Kent. The final year projectgave me a taste of what scientificresearch is all about.

How do the skills you gainedat Kent help you in yourpresent career?The degree at Kent gave me theopportunity to do a sciencecommunication project. At the time,it was unique – no-one else wasdoing it in the UK. My topic wason therapeutic cloning, looking atthe medical and ethical concerns.I had to go into a secondary schoolto give a talk to the pupils there.The project gave me the inspirationto go into my current line of work.Without it, I wouldn't be in the jobI'm doing now.

How did your careerprogress after graduation?My first job was in medicalpublishing thanks to the experienceI gained at Kent in writing aboutscience for different audiences.I then found a job organisingpharmaceutical conferencesaround Europe. This gave me someexperience of managing events,while still working in a scientificfield.

GRADUATEPROFILE

DIDYOUKNOW?If you’re interested in gettinginvolved in National Science& Engineering Week, moredetails are available at: www.britishscienceassociation.org

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CHOOSINGYOURPROGRAMME

Not sure which degreeprogramme to choose?Here’s a quick guide to thedegrees on offer withinthe School of Biosciences.

BiologyBiology is the study of livingorganisms and their interactionswith the environment. The subjectincludes socially relevant topicssuch as human cloning, stem-cellresearch and the human genomeproject. You investigate a varietyof life forms ranging from virusesand bacteria to complex animalsand plants. Your first year modulesprovide a broad survey of thevarious biological disciplinesincluding cell and molecular biology,microbiology, biochemistry andphysiology of animals and plants.This is a three-year programme.

Biology with aSandwich YearThe degree may be taken with asa four-year programme with a paidwork placement (Sandwich Year)between the second and final yearof study. This can be in the UK orin another country. It is suitable forstudents who have a good level ofachievement at Stage 1. Forinternational students, holdinga student visa entitles you to workin the UK as long as you are stillregistered as a full-time student.Since the Sandwich Year is a fully-registered part of your degree, thiscan provide an opportunity forinternational students to gain ayear’s work experience in the UK.

Biology with aYear AbroadThis four-year programme allowsyou to spend a year abroadbetween the second and finalyear of your degree – giving you afantastic opportunity to immerseyourself in another culture.

If you are fluent in a secondEuropean language then you canchoose to study in a universitythat teaches in this language;alternatively, you can choose tostudy abroad where the teachingis in English.

We have a student exchangeprogramme with Universiti TeknologiMalaysia (UTM) near Singaporeand we are also developing furtheropportunities in Indonesia and theUSA. Courses taken abroad willcontribute to your degree.

Biology with aFoundation YearThe Foundation Year is for studentswho have the potential to studybiosciences at degree level but lackthe degree entry requirements.

During the Foundation Year, youstudy biology, chemistry and mathsand – once you have successfullycompleted the Foundation Year –you may continue on to take anyof the School’s degrees in Biology,Biomedical Sciences orBiochemistry.

Other degree programmesThe following degrees are alsoavailable within the School ofBiosciences, with options to studyabroad or take a Sandwich Year.

Biomedical ScienceBiomedical Science at Kentexplores the biochemical processesthat occur in the human body, andhuman diseases like cancer and thebody’s response to infection. Itoffers graduates a chance to putscientific knowledge into practicaluse within medical healthcare, inlaboratory-based fields within theNational Health Service, thepharmaceutical industry or medicalresearch. You can opt to take aprogramme accredited by theInstitute of Biomedical Science(www.ibms.org), important for thosewho wish to work in the NHS.

BiochemistryBiochemistry deals with the wayliving organisms function at themolecular level. How do livingorganisms work? How are they built,controlled, repaired and suppliedwith energy? Biochemistry is anideal degree if you want to enter aresearch career in a life sciencesarea.

www.kent.ac.uk/bio

MOREDETAILSFor more information onBiochemistry and BiomedicalScience, see www.kent.ac.uk/courses/undergrad/For Biology with a FoundationYear, see www.kent.ac.uk/courses/foundation

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STUDYINGAT STAGE 1

Stage 1 is the first year ofyour degree programme.

Your modules provide a broadsurvey of the various biologicaldisciplines including cell andmolecular biology, microbiology,biochemistry and physiology ofanimals and plants.

Teaching is via lectures,supervisions, assignments andlaboratory classes. Each moduleinvolves, on average, 22 hours oflectures, and is supported by threeor four practical lab sessions andregular group work.

At Stage 1, you need to reach asatisfactory standard to proceed onto the second year. However, noStage 1 marks are carried forwardto your final degree result. MostStage 1 modules are assessedby 50% coursework and 50%examination.

All students take the following coremodules:• Introduction to Biochemistry• Enzymes and Introduction toMetabolism

• Molecular and Cellular Biology• Skills for Bioscientists• Human Physiology and Disease• Biodiversity• Genetics and Evolution• Chemistry for Biologists.

Stage 1 modulesIntroduction to BiochemistryThis module provides anintroduction to biomolecules in livingsystems. It contrasts the simplicityof the basic building blocks (aminoacids, sugars, fatty acids andnucleotides) with the enormousvariety and adaptability of thedifferent macromolecules theyform (proteins, carbohydrates, lipidsand nucleic acids). It highlights thenature of the molecular structure ofthe macromolecules and theirinteractions within the cellularenvironment.

Enzymes and Introductionto MetabolismThe module introduces you tometabolic pathways and the controlof metabolism by changes inenzyme activity. It includes the ratesof biological processes and thetheoretical principles underlyingthem, the basic structure andfunction of enzymes and theirkinetics. You perform enzymeassays to determine their kineticproperties and also study the keypathways of metabolism in animalsand their control mechanisms.

www.kent.ac.uk/bio

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STUDYINGAT STAGE 1(CONT)

Molecular and Cellular BiologyThis module introduces youto themes and experimentaltechniques in molecular biology,genetics and eukaryotic cell biology.It covers basic cell structure, theprinciples of the cell cycle and celldivision, the control of livingprocesses by genetic mechanisms,and techniques for geneticmanipulation such as gene cloning.

Skills for BioscientistsSubject-based and communicationskills are relevant to all thebioscience courses. This moduleallows you to become familiar withpractical skills, the analysis andpresentation of biological dataand introduces some basicmathematical and statistical skills asapplied to biological problems. Italso introduces you to the computernetwork and its applications andcovers essential skills such asnote-taking and essay writing.

Human Physiology and DiseaseThis module considers the anatomyand function of normal tissues,organs and systems. We look atthe manifestation of the variousconditions at the level of cells,tissues and the whole patient, andalso discuss diagnosis, availableprognostic indicators andtreatments.

BiodiversityThe aim of this module is tointroduce the diversity of life,evolution and development of bodyform in a wide variety of organisms,including prokaryotes, animals andplants.

Genetics and EvolutionThis module is an introductionto Mendelian genetics and alsoincludes human pedigrees,quantitative genetics, andmechanisms of evolution.

Chemistry for BiologistsThis module covers the topics thatunderpin the study of bioscienceat the molecular level, including thebasic concepts of physical, organicand bio-inorganic chemistry.

www.kent.ac.uk/bio

DIDYOUKNOW?Kent is one of the top tenuniversities in the UK forcourse satisfaction. In themost recent National StudentSurvey, 87% of full-timestudents were ‘overwhelminglysatisfied’ with the quality oftheir courses.

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STUDYINGAT STAGE 2

Stage 2 is the secondyear of your degreeprogramme. At thisstage, themodulesgo into greater depthas you develop yourknowledge of generegulation, development,the regulation ofmetabolism and humanhealth and disease.

During Stage 2 your markscontribute towards the grading ofyour final degree. All students takethe following core modules:• Microbial Physiology andGenetics

• Gene Expression and its Control• Plant Physiology and Adaptation

• Skills for Biologists II• Cell Biology• Infection and Immunity• Physiology• Animal Form and Function.

Stage 2 modulesMicrobial Physiologyand GeneticsThis module includes a review ofthe structure and biosynthesis ofbacterial and fungal cells, their keymetabolic processes and their questfor food. You also study microbialgrowth, genome organisation andthe structure and mechanisms ofDNA transfer.

Gene Expression andits ControlThe module deals with themolecular mechanisms of geneexpression and its regulation inprokaryotes and eukaryotes.This involves descriptions of howgenetic information flows fromDNA to RNA to protein, how thisflow is controlled in specific tissuesand cells throughout developmentand how it is disrupted in cancercells.

Plant Physiology andAdaptationThis module provides a generalgrounding in plant biology, includingform and function, photosynthesis,phytohormones, plant defence andadaptation to the environment.

Skills for Biologists IIYou have lectures on biologicaltechniques complemented bypractical classes and supervisions.There are sessions on group work,essay-writing, problem-solving andcomputer-based procedures todevelop your transferable skills.In addition, there are presentationson careers to help you start thinkingabout future career options.

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Later in the module, you examinethe mechanisms by which newlysynthesised proteins are secretedor shuttled to their appropriatecellular compartments.

Infection and ImmunityThis module provides you withan understanding of the majordiseases of infectious originthat colonise human bodytissues. It covers the principlesof epidemiology, and looks atmedically important diseases suchas the HIV virus and AIDS. Thefeatures and functions of immunecells and molecules used in thedefence of the body againstinvading microorganisms arestudied.

PhysiologyThis module develops a moredetailed understanding of particularphysiological systems and relatesthis to relevant disease processesand their detection. The role ofresearch and laboratory methodsin understanding human diseaseis also introduced at this stage.

Animal Form and FunctionYou study the diversity of animallife throughout evolution, includingelements of functional anatomy andphysiology such as circulation andgaseous exchange, the digestivesystem, the nervous system andreproduction.

Cell BiologyThis module reviews theexperimental approaches usedto investigate the biology of thecell and highlights the similaritiesand differences between cells ofcomplex multicellular organismsand microbial cells. Initially,it considers the functions ofthe cytoskeleton and cellularcompartments such as the nucleus.

www.kent.ac.uk/bio

STUDYINGAT STAGE 2(CONT)

“I was looking for a course thatcovered a broad spectrum oftopics, and the biology courseoffered at Kent is full ofvariety. The course alsoallowed me to take modulesoutside of biosciences, such aspsychology and anthropology,to broaden my field ofknowledge.”

Hannah ShuteBiology

DIDYOUKNOW?You can spend a yearstudying abroad as part ofyour degree. See p10 formore details.

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WORKEXPERIENCE:THE SANDWICHYEAR

If you choose to do aSandwichYear, it comesbetween Stages 2 and 3.

Excellent links withemployersIn the past, our students havetaken placements with employerssuch as GlaxoSmithKline, MSD,Lonza and the NHS. The Schoolhas established excellent links withthese employers, as well as manyothers.

Finding a placementWork placements are usuallyadvertised nationally and studentsapply by sending in a CV orapplication form. We guide youthrough the process, giving youvaluable feedback on theplacements that are likely toenhance your career prospects,how to write a winning CV and howto hone your interview skills.

Salary and benefitsStudents usually work on placementfor the entire calendar year. Salaryand holiday entitlements varyaccording to the employer you workfor. However, many students find thatthey earn enough to be able to savesome of their income, and this oftenhelps them in their final year ofstudying at Kent.

Study and career benefitsA work placement providespractical experience that can beput to good use in your final yearof study. It gives you a sense ofhow the theory works in practiceand improves your skills in manyareas. It also allows you to evaluatea particular career path and gainknowledge of the workingenvironment.

In general, the Sandwich Yearis very popular with employers,because of the skills you gain inthe workplace. If your placement isa success, you may even be offereda job with the same employer aftergraduation.

Keeping in touch with KentYour tutor maintains close contactwith you during your year away fromthe University, checking on yourprogress and paying a visit toyour workplace. All placementstudents come back on to campusfor a day halfway through the yearto talk about their work with otherstudents and staff. At the end ofyour Sandwich Year, your work isassessed by a written report,presentation and supervisor’sevaluation and this contributes10% to your overall degree mark.

www.kent.ac.uk/bio

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STUDYINGAT STAGE 3

Stage 3 is the final year ofyour degree programme.

In addition to your core modules,you complete a research projectand have the chance to developyour particular interests.

You take the following core modules:• Skills for Biologists• Physiology of Microorganisms• Cell Cycle• Classification of LivingOrganisms

• Research Project.

You also choose two options from:• Biological Membranes• Integrated Endocrinologyand Metabolism

• Pathogens and Pathogenicity• Advanced Immunology• Biological Anthropology –the Human Animal

• Biological Anthropology –Comparative Perspectives

• New Enterprise Start-up.

Stage 3 modulesSkills for BiologistsUsing the library skills gained in thismodule, you learn how to research,review and write about biologicalinformation. You also gain moreadvanced problem-solving skills.

Physiology of Microorganisms,Animals and PlantsThis module introduces universalstress factors, their biological effects,and the homeostatic controls thatrespond to these stresses.

Cell CycleThe precise regulation of thecell cycle is essential for all life.In this module you explore how thecurrent understanding of cellularreproduction emerged, with initiallectures describing the importantbreakthroughs in cell cycleresearch. You go on to study thekey events that occur and howthey are regulated by mechanismsconserved from yeast to man.

Classification ofLiving OrganismsThis module introduces you to theclassification of living organisms,and gives you insights into theidentification, nomenclature andphylogeny of selected taxa in theplant and animal kingdom.

Biological MembranesCells and subcellular compartmentsare separated from the externalmilieu by lipid membranes withprotein molecules inserted intothe lipid layer. The structure andfunction of these two componentsare diverse, ranging from regulatoryfunctions to maintaining thestructure of the cell.

Integrated Endocrinologyand MetabolismThe endocrine system is one ofthe two great control systems ofthe body. In conjunction with thenervous system, it is responsible formonitoring changes in an animal’sinternal and external environmentsand directing the body to makeadjustments.

Pathogens and PathogenicityYou study the molecular basis formicrobial pathogenesis in relation tobacterial, viral and fungal pathogens.Topics include host-pathogeninteractions, therapeutic strategies,vaccination and the role of virusesin the development of cancer.

Advanced ImmunologySince the discovery of HIV, greatprogress has been made in ourunderstanding of the immunesystem. This module looks attopical aspects of this subject, withemphasis on the regulation of theimmune response and dysfunctionalimmune systems in disease states.

Biological Anthropology –the Human AnimalThis module provides a broadsurvey of ecological adaptation,the human fossil record and humanvariation placed in a context ofthe interaction of humans withintheir environment.

Biological Anthropology –Comparative PerspectivesThis module provides theoreticaland comparative perspectivesessential to the study of biologicalanthropology. It introducesevolutionary theory, along withMendelian and population genetics,and comparative primatology.

New Enterprise Start-upYou learn how a successfulbusiness is set up and how toproduce a business plan to thestandard required by investors.

www.kent.ac.uk/bio

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YOURFINALYEARRESEARCHPROJECT

In your final year of study(Stage 3), you completethe eight-week ResearchProject. You choose aproject that interestsyou from awide rangeof options.

You work independently but haveregular meetings with a supervisorwho guides you through theprocess and provides adviceand support. This supervisor willbe an academic whose researchinterests are related to your topic.

There are three types of project onoffer – a laboratory-based project,a science communication project,or a dissertation-based project.

If you choose a laboratory-basedresearch project, you will usuallymeet and work with members ofyour supervisor’s research team.This also gives you the opportunityto use the equipment and facilitieswithin the team’s research lab.

Laboratory-based projectLaboratory projects are offered inall the research areas of the School.The current research projects in theschool include: cancer biology andcancer therapies, bioprocessingand the development of noveltherapeutics, genetic and priondiseases, reproductive medicine,synthetic biology, protein foldingand structural biology, the biologyof aging, molecular motors, andbacterial pathogenesis and sensing.

You carry out original research ofinterest to your supervisor andtheir research group. You have thepossibility of seeing or discoveringsomething for the very first timeand you may even have your workpublished in the scientific literature.

Example project titles include:• Genome organisation in spermnuclei using a novel analysissystem

• Multi-coloured imaging ofbacterial compartments

• Developing a method forevaluating DNA damage in yeast

• Novel single-chain antibodies forthe treatment of cancer.

Communication projectOne of the key challenges facingscientists is to make their workinteresting, accessible and relevantto the public. A communicationproject can develop these keyskills and broaden your employmentopportunities.

The communication projectsare offered in a wide range oftopics. The topic will be a poorlyunderstood or controversial area ofbioscience and the aim is not onlyto research the topic and write anup-to-date science report, but alsoto think about how you can explainyour findings to a wider non-scientific audience. Communicationstudents put this into practice bygiving a presentation in a localsecondary school and also bypreparing a website or a writtenarticle for a newspaper ormagazine.

Recent student communicationprojects include the following:• Human gene therapy: thedevelopment of DNA deliveryvehicles for the treatment ofdisease

• The benefits of probiotics – fador fact?

• Gene doping: the bleak futureof elite sport?

• Neurodegenerative disease –hopes for a cure.

Dissertation projectA dissertation project gives youthe opportunity to dig deep into thescientific literature in order to fullyunderstand an area of research andthink about how it might develop inthe future. The topic will be onethat is of interest to your supervisorand, in the initial stages of yourdissertation, your supervisor is ableto direct you to the most excitingpapers. At a later stage, you meetup with your supervisor on a regularbasis to discuss your findings andideas.

Recent student dissertation projectsinclude the following:• Invasion and down-regulation ofthe immune system by viruses

• Centrosome structure andfunction and the developmentof cancer

• Formation of disulphide bondsin multicellular organisms.

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VISITINGOURCAMPUSANDAPPLYINGTOKENT

Come along for an OpenDay or a UCAS Visit Dayand see for yourself whatit is like to be a student atKent.

Open DaysCanterbury Open Days are held inJuly and the autumn for potentialstudents, and their families andfriends, to have a look round thecampus. The day includes a widerange of subject displays,demonstrations and informallectures and seminars, and thechance to tour the campus with

current students to viewaccommodation and facilities.For more information, seewww.kent.ac.uk/opendays

UCAS Visit DaysUCAS Visit Days take placebetween December and April andinclude a ‘taster’ lecture by one ofour academic staff, lunch in one ofthe colleges followed by a tour ofthe campus with a student guide, apresentation about the School andits biology degree and a tour of ourteaching and research facilities.During the day, there are ampleopportunities to talk to one of our

current students or an academicto discuss any queries you mayhave. For more details seewww.kent.ac.uk/visitdays

Informal visitsYou are welcome to visit the campusat any time. We produce a leafletthat can take you on a self-guidedtour and, by prior arrangement, youmay be able to meet up with anacademic member of staff.

For more details, please contactthe Information and Guidance Unit(see right).

www.kent.ac.uk/bio

19www.kent.ac.uk/bio

Terms and conditions: the Universityreserves the right to make variations to thecontent and delivery of courses and otherservices, or to discontinue courses andother services, if such action is reasonablyconsidered to be necessary. If theUniversity discontinues any course, it willendeavour to provide a suitable alternative.To register for a programme of study, allstudents must agree to abide by theUniversity Regulations (available online at:www.kent.ac.uk/regulations/).

Data protection: for administrative,academic and health and safety reasons,the University needs to process informationabout its students. Full registration as astudent of the University is subject to yourconsent to process such information.

LocationCanterbury

AwardBSc (Hons)

Programme typeFull-time

Degree programme

Single honours• Biology (C103)• Biology with a Sandwich Year(C105)• Biology with a Foundation Year(C101)• Biology with a Year Abroad(Code TBA)

Offer levelsBBB at A level, IB Diploma 33points inc 5 in HL Biology or 6 inSL Biology and 4 in Mathematics,or IB Diploma with 15 points atHigher inc 5 in HL Biology or 6 inSL Biology and 4 in Mathematics.

If your grades or subjects do notqualify you for direct entry, youmay be able to take Biology with aFoundation Year. Please contactadmissions for more details.

Required subjectsA level Biology or Human Biologyat grade B. GCSE Mathematicsgrade C.

Sandwich YearStudents have the chance tospend a year working in industrybetween Stages 2 and 3. Seep10 and p15 for details.

Year AbroadStudents have the chance tospend a year studying abroadbetween Stages 2 and 3. Seep10 for details.

EmployabilityFor more information onpotential careers, see p8. Tofind out more about generalopportunities to improve youremployment prospects, seewww.kent.ac.uk/employability

Scholarships and bursariesFor details of scholarshipsand bursaries at Kent, seewww.kent.ac.uk/ugfunding

For the latest course information,including entry requirements,see: www.kent.ac.uk/ug

More informationIf you would like more informationon Kent’s courses, facilities orservices, or would like to orderanother subject leaflet, pleasecontact the Information andGuidance Unit:

Tel: 01227 827272Freephone (UK only):0800 975 3777Email: information@kent.ac.uk

You can also write to us at:The Information and GuidanceUnit,The Registry, University of Kent,Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ.

COMEANDVISITUS

University of Kent, The Registry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZT: +44 (0)1227 764000 E: information@kent.ac.uk www.kent.ac.uk

We hold Open Days at our Canterburyand Medway campuses.

For more information, see:www.kent.ac.uk/opendays

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